Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography imaging of gas tamponade following macular hole surgery.

In this prospective study, the authors report fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) imaging of gas-inner retinal tamponade following surgery for full-thickness macular hole and evaluate postoperative posturing based on FD-OCT findings. Patients underwent FD-OCT 1 day after pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peel, and gas injection. Three-dimensional FD-OCT and high-resolution line scans demonstrated gas-inner retinal tamponade across the macula with the apex of tamponade located at the fovea. Inner and outer retina landmarks could be accurately identified along the curvature of the eye using FD-OCT in x-, y-, and z-planes. No patients required face-down positioning postoperatively based on FD-OCT findings. Satisfactory gas-inner retinal tamponade with 75% fill of any gas agent in the upright position was observed. Full-thickness macular hole closure was successful in 90% at 1 day, 2 weeks, and 12 weeks postoperatively. These FD-OCT findings may support decisions to not require face-down positioning postoperatively.